Expressing her firm resolve to implement the sustainable development goals (SDGs), Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said Bangladesh is progressing fast and would continue to move ahead in the coming days and none would be able to hinder its expedition for economic emancipation for which the nation was born in exchange for huge sacrifices.

“… the nation would change its fortune by making optimum use of its own resources. As a victorious nation, Bangladesh has the confidence in accomplishing any difficult task and achieving any goal,” she said.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh had overcome many disasters and dangers in the past. Those natural and manmade disasters made the countrymen extremely worried about the country’s future. But finally they (evil forces) were defeated and the troublemakers were identified as the country’s enemy, her government won’t yield to frustration because of lack of resources to carry forward the country’s development.

The Prime Minister said this while addressing a reception at LaGuardia Marriot Mission Hotel on thursday evening. Bangladesh Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Dr AK Abdul Momen hosted the reception in honour of the Prime Minister on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.

“Our government won’t yield to frustration because of lack of resources to carry forward the country’s development. Rather, we are pledge-bound to execute the development programmes by making best possible utilization of available resources,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina noted that her government would go ahead with specific plans and programmes to implement the SDGs like the millennium development goals(MDGs) . “Bangladesh would be able to set another example in implementing SDGs,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh is progressing fast and would continue to move ahead in the coming days and none would be able to hinder its expedition for economic emancipation for which the nation was born in exchange for huge sacrifices.

“Bangladesh won’t beg for alms from others… the nation would change its fortune by making optimum use of its own resources. As a victorious nation, Bangladesh has the confidence in accomplishing any difficult task and achieving any goal,” she said.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh had overcome many disasters and dangers in the past. Those natural and manmade disasters made the countrymen extremely worried about the country’s future. But finally they (evil forces) were defeated and the troublemakers were identified as the country’s enemy, she said.

Highlighting the visible success of Bangladesh in many areas of the MDGs, the Prime Minister said steadfast determination and pragmatic plans as well as firm confidence could make it possible to achieve those MDGs.

Recalling her presence in the UN General Assembly in 2000 during adoption of the MDGs, the Prime Minister said, “I was in the meeting of delegates of all countries adopting the 15-year first ever MDGs. And Bangladesh is one of the counties showed success in achieving many of those goals. It’s also a great fortune for me to be attending the Summit of adoption of SDGs this year,” she said.

In this regard, she said the people were the main instrument of all successes as without their support it was impossible to achieve the feat.

Sheikh Hasina said, “When we talk about any achievement we should remember that Bangladesh is a small country with about 16 crore people. Overall development of the huge population is a great challenge. But, the people of Bangladesh have the capability of facing any situation and they can achieve anything.”

They have proved it repeatedly, she said, adding that the people of Bangladesh have earned independence through a bloody war. So it is not difficult for them to achieve anything, which they have learned from Bangabandhu, she added.

The Prime Minister said it always would pinch her heart knowing that Bangladesh is a land of disasters, poverty, hunger and natural calamities. “It was a challenge for me to take the country to a position where there it would not be any need to seek help from others, rather we would live with independence and dignity,” she said.

With the grace of the almighty, she said Bangladesh has already stepped forward to the way of prosperity and it (Bangladesh) is going to be a middle-income country by 2021. Bangladesh would be a middle-income country much before 2021; she hoped saying that before 2041 Bangladesh would be a developed nation.

“It is our goal so that none can neglect Bangladesh in future,” she said.

Extending her Eid greetings to the members of Bangladesh diaspora, the Prime Minister said she felt bad as she always celebrated Eid at Ganobhaban with the masses keeping its door open for common people on the auspicious day when people of all walks of life irrespective of poor and rich come together to convey their Eid greetings.

“So I recall the memories as for the first time I’m celebrating Eid outside the country,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina expressed her profound grief and sorrow for the loss of lives of many people including a number of Bangladeshi nationals in Mina, Saudi Arabia and injury to many others during performing their Hajj.

She said the government is communicating regularly with the concerned authorities to provide necessary support to the hajj pilgrims.

She prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.

Sheikh Hasina arrived here on Wednesday on an eight-day official visit to attend the 70th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and celebrated an Eid festival outside the country for the first time.

She exchanged Eid greetings with the members of Bangladesh community at Hotel Waldorf Astoria earlier in the day where she is staying.